The Football Association of Wales [FAW] has today unveiled a campaign brochure and film to support its bid for Cardiff to become one of the 13 host cities for the 2020 European Football Championships ("EURO 2020").

The bid brochure and film feature the heart celebration made famous by Wales international and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, and were unveiled at a press conference that included Wales team manager Chris Coleman and the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

The bid brochure and film can be viewed via the FAW web site www.faw.org.uk

Speaking at today's press conference Jonathan Ford, Chief Executive of the FAW said: "We are in a highly competitive race and know that we have to do everything we can to communicate the benefits - both to UEFA and Wales - of Cardiff being chosen as a EURO 2020 host city. Today's unveiling of our bid brochure and film, which features the heart celebration made famous by Gareth Bale, is another important milestone as we hit the campaign trail.

"We have a strong bid, focussed around the 74,154 capacity Millennium Stadium which, with over 100 private hospitality boxes, would generate a significant financial contribution for UEFA."

Gareth Bale, Welsh International and Real Madrid star said: "Wales's bid to become a EURO 2020 host is really important to me and I am delighted that it is using my heart celebration in its campaign brochure and film.
"Our bid offers UEFA a fantastic stadium and of course the well-known hospitality of the Welsh people.

"Another reason I am so keen to support the bid is because football in Wales stands to benefit through the legacy fund that would be set up from any surplus from us hosting EURO 2020. This is a great idea that will enable grass roots football to tap into some extra funding once the tournament is over."

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said: "Wales' bid demonstrates not only to UEFA, but to the commercial partners, the media and the fans that we have the capability to host a sporting celebration in 2020 that would be remembered as one of the best.

"We have a proud track record in hosting major events, from the Rugby World Cup, to the Ashes, to the Ryder Cup and Olympic football. I believe we have earned the opportunity to host the EURO 2020 matches. The Millennium Stadium is ready, Cardiff is ready and most importantly Wales is ready."

Roger Lewis, Group Chief Executive of Welsh Rugby Union added: "With our significant capacity and hospitality facilities, legendary atmosphere and the upgrades we will be making to the pitch and the stadium's broadcast facilities, I believe the Millennium Stadium would be the perfect venue to showcase EURO 2020.

"From hosting Olympic football, six FA Cup Finals to the Rugby World Cup Finals, our team has the experience to help UEFA deliver a very special tournament."

Chris Coleman, Manager of the Wales Football Team added: "It would be incredible for the team to play in front of a home crowd in the 2020 European Championships and would certainly be one of the biggest moments in my career.

"Being a 2020 European Championship host city would create extra focus and excitement for Welsh football all the way through to 2020. It would give a real lift to the game, not just in terms of the national team, but also at the school and grass roots level. Hopefully it will prove a win-win for UEFA and Welsh football."

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